The latest offering in Morrow's Tales of King Arthur picture book series focuses on the heroic and enigmatic Lancelot, the bravest knight at court. From the first page, Hudson Talbott seizes our attention with a vivid account of how the ''child of noble blood'' was rescued from disaster by the pale and mysterious Lady of the Lake.

Eighteen years later, she presents Lancelot to King Arthur as a most worthy candidate for knighthood. Lancelot is made a knight of the Round Table and awarded the distinction of being Queen Guinevere's champion. His bravery is soon known throughout the kingdom as he vanquishes dozens of opponents -- human, superhuman and beast -- all for the greater glory of his patroness. But, according to legend, his feelings for her gradually exceed those of a vassal for his liege lady. Eventually, the pangs of this unhallowed love, plus a misunderstanding with Guinevere, turn him into a madman.

In this retelling, the love of a good (and more appropriate) woman and a little help from the Holy Grail restore Lancelot's mind, and he resumes his rightful place in society. In his straightforward and lively language, and in his evocative and sometimes dramatic watercolors, Talbott brings this thoroughly romantic tale to life.

Young readers who want to know more will want to consult ''The World of King Arthur and His Court.'' In it, we are reminded that Camelot ''was never a place on a map,'' but you couldn't prove it by this book, so convincingly and thoroughly does it illuminate this mythical world. Using historical and literary sources ranging from Chaucer to T. H. White, it reads like a veritable Who Was Who and What Was What of Camelot. From Merlin the magician to Morgan le Fay, everybody who was anybody is included, along with detail about the daily lives and the religious, cultural and chivalric practices of the times that produced the stories. Learn the difference between the Sword in the Stone and Excalibur! This is a book to read and savor. Betsy Groban

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A version of this review appears in print on February 13, 2000, on Page 7007027 of the National edition with the headline: Children's Books. Today's Paper|Subscribe